Head-to-head reliability
Mazda 626 vs FORD F 150
How the Mazda 626 and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mazda 626 vs FORD F 150: The 626 averaged 167 complaints per year over 3 years, while the F-150 averaged 1,162 per year over 10 years. The 626 had 3 recalls and 24 injuries; the F-150 had 151 recalls and 297 injuries. Both show power train issues, but the F-150 also has many electrical complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mazda 626 or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mazda 626
The Mazda 626 is a compact sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag for used-car shoppers. Over three years, it averaged about 167 complaints per year, with the majority focused on the power train—especially transmission stuttering and shifting problems. Engine issues like oil leaks and piston ring failures also appear, and there are three recalls for fuel system and brake master cylinder defects. While it has fewer complaints per year than some trucks, the concentration of serious power train and engine problems means a thorough inspection is essential.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a much higher complaint volume—averaging over 1,100 per year across ten years. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with owners reporting transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts that can shatter glass. There are 151 recalls covering engines, seat belts, door latches, and air bag inflators. The sheer number of complaints and recalls suggests that while many F-150s serve reliably, certain model years have recurring, sometimes dangerous, defects that buyers should investigate carefully.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mazda 626 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 502 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 3 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 22 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 167.3 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 24 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mazda 626
- 01POWER TRAIN372
- 02ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING42
- 03EQUIPMENT30
- 04AIR BAGS23
- 05SERVICE BRAKES22
Owners frequently report stuttering or shuddering during acceleration, often leading to transmission repairs or replacement. Some describe persistent issues even after dealer visits, which can mean costly repairs and unreliable performance.
Complaints include sudden engine shutdowns, oil leaks, and piston ring failures that cause overheating and low compression. These are serious mechanical problems that can lead to expensive engine work or replacement.
With 23 complaints, air bag issues are less common but still present. Any air bag fault is a safety concern because it may prevent proper deployment in a crash.
Brake-related complaints, including a recall for the master cylinder, suggest potential hydraulic problems. A failing master cylinder can lead to reduced braking ability, so used buyers should have the brake system checked.
“AT AROUND 30000 MILES WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER COMPLAINING OF A STUTTERING PROBLEM WHEN ACCELERATING AND INSISTED THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. DEALER FOUND NO OBVIOUS PROBLEM BUT DID REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER. TOOK THE CAR BACK SEVERAL…”
“NO CRASHES OR INJURIES JUST YET, BUT I PURCHASED A 2002 MAZDA 626 BRAND NEW AFTER I WAS TALKED INTO IT BY THE DEALERSHIP. I HAD A 2001 626 WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION THAT I BROUGHT IN TO BE SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP (FIVE STAR MAZDA). THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most common complaint area, with reports of transmissions stuck in limp mode, harsh shifting, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. These issues can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Owners describe lead frame problems, output speed sensor failures, and rear window defroster shorts that have caused windows to shatter. Electrical gremlins can be hard to diagnose and may affect multiple systems.
With 1,224 complaints, lighting problems are frequent. While not always safety-critical, faulty lights can reduce visibility and may lead to tickets or accidents.
Engine complaints include various failures, and there are recalls for engine issues. These can range from minor to major, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on engine health.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mazda 626 — 3 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TU…
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
The fix: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
The defect: CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TU…
The risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A VEHICLE FIRE CAN OCCUR.
The fix: SPX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND PROVIDE A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MR. CHRIS GREESON AT 704-869-3733 OR CONTACT THE WIX INFORMATION HOTLINE AT 800-949-6698.
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN RESERVOIR TANK CAPS ON THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WERE PRODUCED WITH A WORN OUT DIE AND LACK VENTILATION HOLES. AS A RESULT, THE PRESSURE IN THE RESERVOIR TANK CAN DROP GRADUALLY AS THE BRAKE PAD OR SHOE WEARS AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DROPS. ALSO, THE…
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE REDUCED BRAKE EFFICIENCY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RESERVOIR CAP AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Mazda 626 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Mazda 626 has far fewer complaints per year (about 167) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,160). In practice, this means a 626 may have fewer reported problems overall, but its issues tend to cluster in the power train and engine, which are costly. The F-150's higher volume reflects its popularity and a wider range of reported defects, including electrical and safety-related recalls.
Key differences
- The Mazda 626 averages about 167 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages over 1,160—roughly seven times more.
- Mazda 626 complaints are heavily concentrated in the power train (372 of 502), often transmission stuttering; F-150 power train complaints are also high (3,648) but spread across more vehicles and years.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls covering engines, seat belts, door latches, and air bags, versus 3 recalls for the 626 (fuel system and brake master cylinder).
- F-150 owners report dangerous electrical issues like rear window shattering and limp mode; 626 owners report engine shutdowns and piston ring failures.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly and feel for any stuttering or hesitation—this could indicate the transmission problems many owners report.
- Check for oil leaks under the engine and listen for unusual noises; piston ring failures and oil leaks are common complaints that can lead to engine damage.
- Ask if the lead frame has been replaced or if the truck has had transmission limp mode issues; this is a recurring and potentially dangerous defect.
- Inspect the rear window defroster and look for any signs of electrical shorts or previous window replacement, as owners report windows shattering due to defroster faults.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models using the NHTSA VIN lookup.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission and engine for the Mazda 626, and transmission, electrical, and rear window for the Ford F-150.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions—accelerating, braking, and using electrical accessories—to reproduce any intermittent issues.
- For the F-150, verify that all safety recalls, especially those for air bags, seat belts, and door latches, have been completed.
- For the Mazda 626, check the brake master cylinder and fuel system for leaks or signs of recall-related repairs.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mazda 626 or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mazda 626 vs FORD F 150
- Mazda 626 total complaints
- 502
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Mazda 626 total recalls
- 3
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Mazda 626 avg complaints/year
- 167.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Mazda 626
- Mazda 626 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN